We’ve seen some big-name NFL players already dealt this offseason. The most-recent example was four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs shockingly being traded from the Buffalo Bills to the conference rival Houston Texans.
Earlier in the offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs moved star young cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, young quarterbacks Sam Howell, Justin Fields, Mac Jones and Kenny Pickett have also been traded.
With just three weeks to go before the 2024 NFL Draft, most figure that the trade market has died down. That’s not necessarily the case with a few NFL players firmly on the block. Here, we look at five that could still be moved this offseason.
Related: NFL trade tracker with grades
Tee Higgins, wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati placed the franchise tag on Higgins earlier this offseason at a cost of nearly $20 million for the 2024 campaign. It led to the still-young 25-year-old receiver requesting a trade after a down 2023 season. The former second-round pick from Clemson recorded 42 receptions for 656 yards after averaging north of 1,000 receiving yards throughout his first three NFL seasons.
We could see a situation similar to when the Chiefs traded Sneed to Tennessee after placing the franchise tag on the cornerback. In fact, it has to be seen as a likely scenario ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Remember, the Bengals are going to have to pay Ja’Marr Chase. They are not in a situation to pay out WR1 money to two wide receivers.
- Potential Tee Higgins trade destinations: Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers
Greg Newsome, cornerback, Cleveland Browns
Newsome’s name showing up in NFL trade rumors is somewhat interesting. He’s proven to be a key cog in Cleveland’s defensive backfield with fellow corner Denzel Ward after the Browns made him a first-round pick in 2021. This past season saw Newsome record 14 passes defended and two interceptions while yielding a mere 74.8 QB rating when targeted.
At issue here is a $13.38 million team option for the 2025 season. Cleveland is already paying Ward $20.1 million annually. Given the Deshaun Watson contract disaster, it’s not reasonable to extend Newsome. Hence, him being one of the biggest-name NFL players on the trade block.
Potential Greg Newsome trade destinations: San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs
Related: Updated 2024 NFL mock draft
Zach Wilson, quarterback, New York Jets
Right now, it’s probably even odds that Zach Wilson will be traded or released. The Jets simply have not found anywhere near a market for the former No. 2 pick and 2021 NFL Draft bust. It makes sense. Wilson has been unplayable throughout most of his career (23 TD, 25 INT in 34 games).
We still expect one team to take a chance that a change of scenery will do the 24-year-old Wilson well. It will likely cost a conditional late-round draft pick in the future. Wilson is also set to count a mere $1.06 million against the 2024 NFL salary cap.
Potential Zach Wilson trade destinations: Denver Broncos, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers
Marshon Lattimore, cornerback, New Orleans Saints
There are continued rumors that the Saints are looking to unload this four-time Pro Bowler. It makes sense. Lattimore, 27, has played in all of 17 games over the past two seasons. He has a $14.62 million cap hit for the 2024 season and is earning an average of $19.52 million annually.
Given his recent injury issues, Lattimore would likely have to agree to a restructured contract for his trade market to expand. But we’re talking about a dude who still yielded a 57.4% completion and 74.7 QB rating last season. Contending teams will show interest if the cost is a mere mid-round selection.
- Potential Marshon Lattimore trade destinations: Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions
Related: NFL power rankings heading into the 2024 draft
Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers will trade Aiyuk. The 49ers won’t trade Aiyuk. It’s been a mixed bag as it relates to the rumor mill surrounding this elite young receiver. What we do know is that the two sides are far apart in extension talks with Aiyuk set to hit the final year of his rookie contract. He wants to be among the highest-paid players in the NFL. That’s not an unreasonable ask. The question is whether San Francisco can pony that up given its salary cap situation.
A first-round pick out of Arizona State in the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk was amazing for the defending NFC Champs a season ago. He recorded 75 receptions for 1,342 yards. Brock Purdy posted a 71.4% completion and 124.0 QB rating when targeting the 26-year-old. That seems good.
- Potential Brandon Aiyuk trade destinations: Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets